Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town are among hundreds of clubs preparing for a solemn start to today's football fixtures.

Every match in the Premier League, Football League, Football Conference and FA Cup this weekend will get under way seven minutes later than normal to remember the 96 people who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.

Next Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of that devastating day.

On April 15 1989 the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's ground was ended six minutes after kick-off, at 3.06pm. That time, plus a one minute silence, is being marked at stadia the length and breadth of the country.

Gloucester City's home match with Vauxhall Motors and Cheltenham's trip to Exeter City are among them.

It will be a particularly poignant day for Terry Gornell, the former Cheltenham striker.

He may have been born eight months after the Hillsborough disaster, but he said this afternoon’s match at Exeter will be an emotionally-charged occasion.

Liverpool-born Gornell said countless friends and members of his family were affected by the disaster, which united the city and the fight for justice has continued until the present day.

“Nobody in Liverpool will ever forget what happened and anything that can be done to make sure those who lost their lives are remembered has to be welcomed,” Gornell said.

“It should never have happened and it must never be allowed to happen again.

“Things have improved in the last few years with the things that have been brought to light by the investigations and great strides have been made.

“In Liverpool it’s a big part of our history, whether you support Liverpool or Everton, and it will be passed down through generations, but the more awareness there is worldwide the better.”

Gornell was just months old the last time Liverpool won the old Division One title and he said if Brendan Rodgers’ side could take the crowd this season if would be a poignant moment for the club.

“Liverpool are having a great season whether they win the Premier League or not, but if they were to win it with it being the 25th anniversary, it would be something so special for the city, and Everton fans would agree with that too,” he said.